Early Air-Cooled Opportunity: 1965 Porsche 911 Coupe Project

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Early Porsche 911s continue to sit near the top of many enthusiasts’ wish lists, and this 1965 Porsche 911 Coupe offers a compelling entry point into that coveted space. Listed here on eBay and identified by VIN 25958, this car represents one of the formative years of the 911 story, before the model evolved into the shape and specification most people recognize today.

According to the seller, this is an original and complete example that has been off the road and in storage for several years, making it a true restoration candidate rather than a recently flipped project. The car is described as having a straight body and remaining largely intact, an important starting point when dealing with an early 911. While the mileage is listed as zero, the seller does not make any claims about total mileage, which is typical for cars that have been dormant long enough to lose reliable odometer history.

Originally finished in white with a black interior, the coupe has not been altered beyond what the seller notes mechanically. At some point in its life, a 1973 Porsche engine was installed, replacing the original powerplant. No further claims are made about originality beyond that, and the car is currently non-running, simply due to long-term storage rather than any specific mechanical failure being disclosed. As with many early air-cooled cars, recommissioning and restoration would be part of the expected process for the next owner.

What stands out here is that the seller emphasizes the car as honest and intact, rather than heavily modified or pieced together. Early short-wheelbase 911s can be difficult to find in complete condition, and this example is presented as a solid foundation rather than a collection of missing parts. That alone gives it appeal to Porsche enthusiasts who value originality and prefer to take on a project themselves rather than undoing someone else’s work.

An interesting detail is that while this is a late 1965 build, it is titled as a 1966, something that occasionally occurs with transitional production years and early registrations. The seller is transparent about this distinction, which is helpful for anyone doing due diligence before purchase.

With early air-cooled 911 values continuing to climb, projects like this are becoming increasingly scarce at accessible price points. For the right buyer, this coupe represents an opportunity to restore an iconic Porsche from the ground up and shape it exactly as intended. Would you return it to factory-correct specification, or build it as a period-inspired driver?

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Comments

  1. rmwardMember

    Sale already ended

    Like 1
  2. angliagt angliagtMember

    The early 911s are the cleanest looking ones.
    We have a 901 in the showroom at Martin’s, local
    German auto repair shop.
    When I was there a few years back,I overheard
    that they were asking over $200,000 for it.

    Like 0

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